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A RISE Against the Ban on Pesticide Use05-21-19 | Association News

A RISE Against the Ban on Pesticide Use
Montgomery County's Recent Court Ruling

A recent press release has discussed the Maryland Court of Special Appeal's validation of the ban on outdoor pesticide use, which includes almost all EPA and Maryland state registered pesticide products available by such providers as retail nurseries, grocery stores, and through landscape professionals.

The Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment, or RISE, has expressed disapproval in the outcome of Maryland v. Complete Lawn Care, which resulted in Maryland Court of Special Appeal's decision that Montgomery County's ban "on outdoor pesticide use on private property by residents and professionals" was valid.

According to RISE's press statement, the association disagrees with the ban for the following reasons:

RISE believes the county ban is preempted by existing state law.
The 2017 Circuit Court for Maryland expressed strong opinion against the illegality of the ban under existing state law and the comprehensive pesticide regulatory program of the Maryland Department of Agriculture.
RISE argues that invasive pests still exist, and residents in the county do not have realistic ways to treat their property or apply approved pesticide products.

RISE is a trade association that nationally represents those in the industry (such as manufacturers and distributors) who work with specialty pesticides and fertilizers used by consumers and professionals. The association is currently working on ways to ensure the rights of Montgomery County residents in choosing pesticide products.